European Commission Unveils ‘Farm to Fork’ Strategy, Aims for 25% Organic Farming by 2030

The European Commission has unveiled its ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy as part of the European Green Deal, aiming to transition to a fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system. One of the key targets of the plan is to increase organic farming to 25% of total farmland by 2030.

‘Farm to Fork’ reflects the European Union’s commitment to tackling climate change and protecting biodiversity. The strategy focuses on sustainable food production, promoting plant-based diets, reducing food waste, and combating food fraud.

Central to the strategy is the shift towards organic farming, a sustainable approach that restricts the use of chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The aim is to have at least a quarter of total EU farmland under organic farming by 2030. This would not only reduce the environmental impact of agriculture but also provide opportunities for rural development.

Additionally, the ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy plans to halve the use and risk of chemical pesticides and reduce the use of fertilizers by at least 20% by 2030. The strategy also aims to decrease antimicrobial use in agriculture and aquaculture, contributing to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Despite the ambitious goals, the plan has been met with mixed reactions. While environmental groups have welcomed the strategy, some farming associations have raised concerns about its feasibility and the potential impacts on food security and farmer livelihoods.

In conclusion, the ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy represents a significant commitment by the European Union to transform its food system in response to climate change and biodiversity loss. The coming years will see whether the proposed measures can be successfully implemented and deliver the desired environmental and health benefits.